What to buy?

[lpickrell]

Hi all,

What's the best list to use when buying for a first time mum? I've mainly come up with static lists from blogs and stuff ... any online tools out there?

Thanks a lot,

Lee

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I never had a changing unit jordan. A wriggly baby can't roll off the floor

[Nellysgirl]

Wow this is really useful! Going to pinch some pointers... Tee hee

[jordanps]

Thanks... my take away is as follows:

In general I can wait till after birth to buy a far amount of stuff and play it by ear... more than trying to pre-empt problems / needs etc.

No to baby bath + top & tail bowls
No cot bumpers Changing unit
Yes to bouncer etc.

In fact the list did seem pretty good... at least as a starting point. already feeling more relaxed

Thank you

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

jordan I didn't buy anything to do with feeding at all. Wanted to bf and figured if that didnt work I'd get what I needed at the time.

[Thurlow]

I was about to say Blimey, that's a long list! but actually there's hardly anything on there that seems ridiculous. Though most of it can wait until the baby is born.

Things we didn't use...

Bibs (2-3) - just use muslins
Towelling Squares
Baby bath - only if you don't think your sink will do
Flask - even though we bottle fed I don't think I used one
Bottle Drying Rack - not sure what this is!
Cot Bumpers - not recommended any more
Baby Sheepskin - just used blankets, we must be tight
Changing Unit - just use the floor or your bed!
Sleep aid - wait and see if they need one, we had a Dream Sheep but it wasn't needed

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

jordan can you try the link again

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Ohhh amber I didnt realise you are expecting again, so am I congrats.

Check out these

www.honouryourflow.co.uk/bamboo-breast-pads-58-c.asp

They are so comfy and I've had a set for 6 years awhile so last ages

[AmberSocks]

have never used a baby bath i just take them in with me and we co sleep to so no need for cots and moses basket.

[AmberSocks]

I have 4 and another on the wayand this is what i buy

clothes,too many!sleepsuits,bodysuits,cardies,hats,blankets,socks.

Use resusable nappies and wipes

I breastfeed so lanolin cream breast pads and a few nursing bras

pushchair,i have a double out and about nipper for dd who is 3 and ds who is 9 months so this one will go into that.

car seat,i have a britax one that can be used from birth to 4 yrs it looks really comfy,some people like one that attatches to a pushchair though and its no good for that.

stuff for home birth,big black cheapoants to throw away after use,loads of pads.

bouncer,playmat,some soft toys?

A sling,although dh uses ours mor ethan me,i don find them comfy and ive tried them all.

[VisualiseAHorse]

We have a change mat that came with the nappy bag (present) and one that came with the cot (another present). I would just use a towel.

[VisualiseAHorse]

Forget about cotton wool and top and tail bowls. Just use baby wipes or a wet flannel which you can then wash.

You don't need much in the early days (first month) - clothes, nappies, wipes, a bed and transport.

Toys can wait.

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Are covers for changing mats a new thing?

I've never even heard of them

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Again I'd wait before buying anything like a stick blender. The current advise is to not wean before six months and your Lo might be a total spoon refuser, like my dd, and go straight onto normal family food

[BratinghamPalace]

Moses basket is a handy way to bring the baby around the house without disturbing them esp if you have a two story house.
Only buy vests and baby Gros that open out flat. That way you do not have the bother (fear!) of trying to put it over babies head.
I got a bundle of coloured face cloths for the changing mat. Put them under the babies bottom when changing him/her. It really helps, you don't need a load of covers for the changing mat.
FILL THE FREEZER! And hey - it is the most delicious time. Enjoy!

[withaspongeandarustyspanner]

stick blender.

[katydid02]

A sling or a pram depending on your preference, nappies and something for the baby to wear.

[ANJALI777]

hey hun, it's up to you how all out you wanna go, and i think the basics have been covered. A few tips though:

1. You will be given loads of stuff.
   

1. Generally stuff for small babies - bouncer, moses basket, cot mobile only lasts for 6 months max, so spend money on long term purchases. For example, I have borrowed stuff and have hand me downs for DS2's first 6 months of clothes, but bought a beautiful blanket for him that will last years.
   

1. If you buy something you don't know you are going to need, say a breast pump, or even extra clothes, keep them unopened and keep an eye on the return by date, so if you don't need it, or you are gifted it you can exchange it or get your money back.
   

I am sure everything will all appear the moment the baby is born, and you are resourceful enough to get through any crises - we have all had them!!!

[Ghanagirl]

If you have are expecting twins good twin pushchair plus 2 baby slings or carriers (for when you have help) def breast feeding cushion so you can tandem feed, 2 bouncy chairs you can bounce one with your foot while feeding one or put them facing each other while they cry!
Extra bedroom for your mum who you will force to stay with you for first few weeks

[FudgeyCookie]

I found my muslin cloths went yellow really quickly no often how much i washed them - I ended up buying guest towels (bigger then flannels, smaller than hand towels) for 20p each in Ikea - not a sale price, is the normal price. They have washed really well, dont stay damp all day like my muslins did and haven't gone off colour!

[OddBodd]

A lot less than you might think or be told by Mothercare or BabiesRUs! For DS1 we had a moses basket, a cot, a carseat travel system, separate stroller, bumbo seat, baby bath, play mat, bouncer chair, rocker, waaay too many clothes, a sling, a steriliser, bottles, breast pump, baby towels, changing unit, sheets, jumparoo, door bouncer, baby gym, baby sensor (to make sur baby still breathes and moves in his sleep), and a whole host of other plastic tat that never saw the light of day.

DS2 we had a cot, sling, a moses basket, a changing bag, bouncer chair, some sleep suits, a few vests and a pair of boobs. He's still here, non the worse off for not buying all the claptrap! In all honesty, all a baby really needs is somewhere safe to sleep, a method of eating be it breast or bottle, a few light bits of clothing and some blankets.

[Ellypoo]

We don't use a baby bath (use the sink or comes in bath with us), but do use a changing mats - otherwise bed and lounge floor would very often be covered with wee!!

Loads of muslin squares.

I stocked up on wipes and nappies in different sizes when they were on offer, different makes too, in case you don't get on with any particular type.

Got crib / bouncer / sling / play mat / mobile etc all second hand from car boot or borrowed.

Use quite a few little hooded towels but normal ones would be fine.

I would get tea tree oil for your baths for after the birth.

Things like bottles, steriliser etc I wouldn't get unless you aren't intending to BF - even then you can get them at 24 hr supermarkets etc.

[Thurlow]

93pjb, I definitely agree. If you could spend £500 on a travel system, spend £250 on a pram and then £250 on a purchair. £250 will buy you a top of the range, all singing, all dancing Maclaren! Most people I know wanted to swap to a smaller, lighter pushchair by 8-12m, but a lot couldn't because they had spent so much on their travel system.

But then I am evangelical about my Techno XLR and will just be sticking the carrycot attachment on that for any future DC.